No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1986-07-23, Page 53Page 7 Profiles Red4m and cedar bridge extends over 206 feet By Anne Nare ko Picture a country road wi tall, straight trees on either side and a b ch of a river running beyond the forest, flu g parallel to the road. The other side of th river bank is lined with trees as far as one ca see. Put a well maintained,' old brie home into the picture. It's far from the road, almost hidden from unfamiliar eyes, yet close enough to the river to hear the water flowing or the breaking of the ice. Now add a 206 foot swinging bridge to the picture. It has a red elm and cedaF floor with wire cables enclosing the sides. The only support the bridge has as it stretches over e river are two huge cedar poles. Where would you find such a place? Right n Stanley Township by the Bannockburn Conservation Area which is located just outside Varna. The -home and land are now occuppied by Mary and Keith Rowntree but was previously owned by the Diehl family for 101 years. This picturesque Bayfield River farm is well known to area people. Those who grew up in the area and moved away, often come back and visit the farm. When the Rowntrees first moved to the farm from London, these unexpected visits from strangers surprised them. "The area people know the farm well and almost everybody has been over the bridge ," said Mr. Rowntree. "Last summer a man who grew up in the area and later moved to California, came back to see the farm." Diehl Family It was in 1850 that Jacob Diehl, originally from Tiefenbacli, Bavaria, purchased the property which consisted of 150 acres. Today the acreage is recorded at 68. • HAPPY 1-5-0 BIRTHDAY STANLEY TWP. We're proud to be a part of this great community. Enjoy the Festivities!!! CITATION LIGHTING Steve Lefaive R.R. #1, VARNA, ONT. (519) 26245690 Best Wishes to Stanley Township on your 1-5-0 BIRTHDAY It's my pleasure to serve the area. Sincerely. RON EYS Representing Trust Companies Across Ontario Varna 262-6273 Mr. Rowntree explained the fields were divided into small five and 10 acre sections so the small machinery could work the land properly. Also during the pioneering era„there was a sawiuill on Elie river hank whicli•was used by the majority of the community. In 1857 the Diehl's built a frame house and then added a brick house in 1883.There was also a log house on the premises. The brick home still stands today as does the spring house which was used to keep the milk cool. Swinging Bridge It was in 1889 when the first swinging bridge was built. It has been rebuilt twice but is no longer hanging. "About two years ago lightning struck the supports,” said Mr. Rowntree, who has not found an assistant to help him rebuild the bridge. The original pedestrian swinging bridge was 150 feet in length, but when it was rebuilt in 1908, its length was extended to 206 feet. The bridge swung from huge, upright cedar poles which were firmly embedded in the river banks with heavy wire cables attached to them. Red elm and cedar were used for the flooring which was later repaired with hemlock. A flight of stairs lead up to the bridge, but on the other side, the bridge was level with the ground. According to Mr. Rowntree, the bridge was used to cross the river to get to the maple sap bush were they gathered as much as 1,500 gallons of sap and tapped as many as 700 trees. An newspaper article explained that this maple syrup was sold in and around Clinton for 50 years. Mr. Rowntree and Gregor McGregor completely rebuilt the bridge in the early 1970s, working for three or four weekends. Mr. Rowntree would like to rebuild the bridge again. "I'd love to rebuild it but I need an assistant. It's not hard work, but it's time consuming," he said. Change Of Ownership Jacob Diehl died in 1906 and the farm was passed on to his son, Valentine M. Diehl, who operated it for several years. In 1941, Val Diehl lost his life while cutting wood on his own property. The farm was then worked by his son and daughter, Ed and Bertha. A 1951 article in the. London Free Press told of the end of the 101 year Diehl ownership. "Only several weeks ago, they (Ed and Bertha) disposed of the entire property to' the Schwalm Lumber Co., of Mildmay. Another homestead thus passing from, the hands of those who have held it so long." Mr. Rowntree believes that several owners had possession of the property before he and his family moved in during 1963. However, they only worked the land and did not live in the house. Turn to page 16 e Today (1986) Peck Appliances Yesterday (1910) Beatty's General Store. We, at Peck Appliances would like to extend a warm greeting to all our customers and friends in Stanley Township. "HAVE A GOOD TIME AT OUR SESQUICENTENNIAL" PECK APPLIANCES IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN, VARNA 482-7103 CA